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Inclusion

Temple Emanu-El strives to provide a welcoming, inclusive, environment which values the feelings of kinship, belonging and spiritual enrichment in daily life as well as in times of transition.As a vibrant Jewish community, we deem it important to uphold certain values:

Ahavat Yisrael (love of fellow humans/Jews)

Rachamim (compassion)

Chesed (loving kindness-how one treats others)

DO ONE THING.... YOU'LL FEEL GOOD

The Temple Emanu-El community wants every member and guest to feel included. Each of us can fulfill the mitzvah of reaching out to others who may feel alone or excluded. Here are ten ideas:

1. Say hello and introduce yourself

2. Sit next to someone who seems alone

3. Call someone to offer them a ride to shul

4. Call someone who has been absent

5. Hand someone your prayerbook; help someone find the page

6. Help someone find their way around the building

7. Ask, "May I help you?"

8. Make eye contact and smile

9. Invite someone to join you

10. Help someone at kiddish find a seat, fill their plate, get a drink

ARE THERE AREAS OF TEMPLE EMANU-EL THAT CAUSE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW DIFFICULTIES IN TERMS OF PHYSICAL ACCESS, PARTICIPATION, ETC.?

Over the years, the synagogue has addressed many of the physical barriers to full participation, including installing elevators, a new sound system for the hearing impaired, large print Siddurim, and the ramp leading to the Main Sanctuary. Our professional Staff and the Inclusion Committee are working together to develop programs addressing the religious, educational and social issues and concerns of our community. If you have any further concerns or questions, please contact a member of the inclusion committee via our staff person, Miriam Abrams-Stark at : email: [email protected] or by calling our office: 401-331-1616. All communications will be kept confidential.